Friday, 24 June 2011

MOD response to the ONR interim report Japan - reactor accident

On the 18 May 2011 the Chief Nuclear Inspector published an interim 'lessonslearnt' report early analysis of Japanese accident which made 26 recommendations for UK.

MOD was asked in FOIs about whether or not it made a submission to Dr Weightman `s interim report and how the MOD was responding to the reports' recommendations. The responses to the FOI requests are given below :-

"our correspondence dated 25 May 2011 has been considered to be a request for information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. You requested the following information:

"Please could you tell me

a: if MOD made a submission to Dr M Weightman of the ONR in
relation his interim report 'lessons learnt' report "Early analysis of Japanese accident makes 26 recommendations for UK"

b: If a submission was made, please could you provide me with a
copy of the submission"

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the Ministry of Defence because we did not provide a submission to Dr Weightman of the ONR."

When specifically asked about how MOD was responding to the recommendation 4 of the ONR interim report

"Request for Information – Release of Information under the Freedom of Information Act "Thank you for your request of 18 May 2011 relating to the publication of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) interim report, in which you ask: Please could you tell me what specific actions the MOD will be taking to implement recommendation 4 of ONR interim report "Japanese earthquake and tsunami: Implications for the UK Nuclear Industry": "Both the UK nuclear industry and ONR should consider ways of enhancing the drive to ensure more open, transparent and trusted communications, and relationships, with the public and other stakeholders."

This enquiry is being treated as a request for information under the terms of the FOI Act. I can confirm that the Department does not hold any information that falls within the scope of your request.""

The MODs' response to these FOI requests provides yet more examples of the MOD failing to engage and learn lessons with a view to improving safety of the nuclear weapon and propulsion programmes.